Molecular dynamics is the simulation method that is most amenable to the length and time scales of nanotribological experiments. The ability to track the individual motion of every atom in simulations has led to a detailed understanding of the underlying physics that is difficult to extract from experiment. While significant progress has been made in simulations over the past two decades, computational issues still limit the types of problems that can be approached, and the detailed understanding that results. Here we discuss recent advances in molecular dynamics simulations that push the bounds of simulation size, velocity, and chemistry. These state of the art simulation techniques have made great strides in allowing detailed comparisons to experimental results. These advances will be placed in context by addressing the barriers that remain and where future progress lies.
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